Misery Plaza (A Southern New England Horror Anthology)

Misery Plaza by J.J. Alo is a supernatural Western that plunges readers into a world where the past is never truly buried. William Potter is on the run, a notorious outlaw trying to outrun his past as Joseph Griffin. He seeks refuge in the strange, isolated village of Missouri Plaza, hoping to shield his children from the violence he's known. But this town has its darkness. Surrounded by liars, thieves, and killers, Potter stumbles upon a buried treasure that could buy their escape. Instead, he unearths a nightmare. Missouri Plaza holds secrets that are not of this world, and as an ancient horror awakens, Potter finds himself in a fight not just for his freedom, but for his family's very souls. Caught between the relentless pursuit of the law and a creature older and deadlier than he can comprehend, William Potter must confront his past to face the terrifying truth of Missouri Plaza.  

This novel underlines the fact that the past can be a relentless predator. J.J. Alo introduces intriguing characters, from Joseph Griffin to the children, Isaac and Clara; the characters are elaborately drawn and rock-solid. The element of mystery is introduced from the very start of the narrative with Sullivan’s encounter with an old acquaintance. The characters in Misery Plaza are a fascinating blend of the familiar and the enigmatic. Potter is a classic Western anti-hero — a skilled gunslinger striving for redemption and a peaceful life for his children, yet capable of great violence. His internal struggle between his past and present is a force that propels this narrative in unexpected directions. His children, Isaac and Clara, represent innocence in a dangerous world, forced to confront challenges they never imagined. Clara, in particular, is portrayed with a childlike wonder and fear pitted against the encroaching darkness. The residents of Missouri Plaza, like Gus Miller and Eleanor Reynolds, offer a veneer of normalcy that slowly erodes, hinting at more profound, unsettling truths. The mysterious John Chisum, a powerful rancher, presents a complex figure – seemingly benevolent yet with a history tied to the darker aspects of the West.  

The multi-layered conflict encompasses Potter's battle against his past, the threat posed by those who seek him, and the unsettling, potentially supernatural elements tied to the Bennett property and Missouri Plaza itself. The setting plays a crucial role; the vast, isolated landscapes of the American West provide a backdrop for both beauty and danger, while the peculiar nature of Missouri Plaza creates an atmosphere of unease and hidden secrets. The contrast between the picturesque descriptions of nature and the underlying tension and violence is palpable. The novel masterfully builds suspense, weaving together elements of a traditional Western with hints of something far more sinister. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the reader to settle into the seemingly mundane aspects of the new life in Missouri Plaza before slowly revealing the layers of danger and mystery. The dialogue captures the regional dialects and attitudes of the time, injecting authenticity into the setting. Misery Plaza is a compelling, chilling, and unique supernatural Western with richly developed characters, a phenomenal conflict, and delectable writing.